Kitsilano.ca readers were shocked when we first reported on a senior citizen being randomly assaulted and robbed in broad daylight in Kitsilano on August 17th.
Well, Vancouver police no longer believe that the abduction of the senior at gunpoint was a random attack.
The 69-year-old was walking in the 2900-block of West Broadway on August 17th when police say he was accosted by two men in their 20s who forced him into a waiting black pickup truck. The young woman at the wheel of the vehicle then drove for about four blocks, where the alleged kidnappers demanded money, hit the man over the head with a metal object, pepper-sprayed him and pushed him out of the truck.
At the time, police said the attack appeared to be completely random, but in a press release yesterday, Constable Jana McGuinness said that has changed. Apparently the victim had actually arranged to meet with his alleged captors to help fix their truck.
“The victim has now been able to recall more information that indicates that the suspects involved had contacted him by phone prior to the incident,” McGuinness said.
“He agreed to meet them on West Broadway to assess a mechanical issue with their truck, as he has some former expertise in this area.”
Police are continuing to investigate how the situation evolved into a violent abduction and robbery. No suspects have been identified.
The pickup truck is described as a newer model with four doors, tan interior and tinted windows. The woman driving is described as having blonde hair in a ponytail. One suspect is described as a white man, about 6’0″ tall and 200 pounds. He has short blond hair. The second man is described as darker skinned, about 5’10” tall, slim with short dark hair.
Last modified: September 3, 2010
